The imperative to implement the national mental health law, by Queen Ekanem Essien

Your Excellency, Muhammad Buhari GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Presidential Villa, Asokoro, Abuja.

Sir,

The imperative to implement the national mental health law

Your consent to the Mental Health Bill 2021 is highly commendable. This left mental health actors and the Nigerian community in high spirits, showing proof that the efforts of advocates have finally paid off. This law is historic for the region, after 63 years of operation in a rudimentary framework emanating from our colonial lords. Through the provisions of this law, mental health care is now guaranteed in the light of criteria of availability, accessibility, acceptance, quality and community inclusion, promoting the equal rights of people with disorders. mental.

Since time immemorial, people with mental disorders have been exposed to various human rights violations under legislation such as the Lunacy Ordinance of 1916 and the Lunacy Act of 1958. These rights violations have been reinforced by the purposes of the laws, without any processing requirements. These violations have been accompanied by limitations on the rights to liberty, an adequate standard of living, education, expression, decision-making, exclusion from the labor market and increased social isolation. .

The National Mental Health Act now addresses these violations by strengthening the rights to liberty, an adequate standard of living, decision-making, employment, access to housing, improving access to treatment, etc., while waging a war against stigma and dispelling misinformation. This provision is in line with Article 34 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which promotes the dignity of the human person. People with mental disorders can now actively participate in society and formulate treatment plans. Therefore, the enactment of the National Mental Health Act reflects the provision of Chapter 2 of the Constitution of 1999, as amended, which establishes the bill of rights to meet the socio-economic rights of citizens and provides the fundamental objectives and the guiding principles of state policy.

…the implementation of the Mental Health Act will allow conversations about mental health to become mainstream across Nigeria, from employees talking about toxic work cultures to victims of abuse and trauma talking about their experiences . Greater sharing of lived experiences will lead to better attitudes towards mental health and enable people to be kinder to one another, take care of their mental health and promote a healthier environment so that everyone can flourish.

Furthermore, with the implementation of this law, people with mental disorders will now begin to participate as active members of society and enjoy all of their rights, while promoting positive attitudes and finally changing the rules. The environment will also become inclusive for all and the workplace will become less toxic through increased awareness of mental health issues. In the future, more people will be happy to receive professional care for their mental health needs, leading to improved human capital for the economy. As we continue to gloat, we urge that the necessary mechanisms be put in place to initiate the rapid enforcement of the provisions of the National Mental Health Act.

In conclusion, the implementation of the Mental Health Act will allow conversations about mental health to become mainstream across Nigeria, from employees talking about toxic work cultures to victims of abuse and trauma talking about their experiences. Greater sharing of lived experiences will lead to better attitudes towards mental health and enable people to be kinder to one another, take care of their mental health and promote a healthier environment so that everyone can thrive. Nigeria will now experience an increase in appreciation for mental health advocacy.